{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting","path":"/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting","title":"Nicotine Addiction and Quitting","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover the risks and addiction of smoking, along with quitting methods, medications, and support.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting","wordpressId":"5615","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/catrina-cowart#person","name":"Catrina Cowart","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/catrina-cowart"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. George","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-05-31T23:31:51Z","dateModified":"2025-08-28T05:28:10Z"},"content":{"html":"

Nicotine Addiction and Quitting

Written by \"\"Catrina CowartMedically reviewed by \"\"Erin L. George

Published on · Updated on

Smoking is an action involving the inhalation and exhalation of burning plant material. When referring to \"smoking\" and \"quitting smoking,\" most people are talking about tobacco products[1].

Tobacco is a nicotine-containing plant that is typically dried and rolled or stuffed into cigars, pipes, and cigarettes. Tobacco products also contain additives that help maintain and preserve their shelf life. As a result, tobacco products can release over 4,000 chemical compounds when burned.

\"Hands

Key takeaways

  • Smoking exposes both smokers and nearby people to harmful substances and increases serious health risks.
  • Nicotine dependence and withdrawal can make quitting difficult through cravings and changes in mood or concentration.
  • Cessation medication, behavioral strategies, and supportive relationships can improve the chances of stopping successfully.

What are the Risks of Smoking?

Smoking is highly toxic. It has a negative impact not only on the person smoking but also on those around them. This unintended exposure to so-called secondhand smoke subjects non-smokers to the byproducts of cigars, cigarettes, etc.

Smoking risks include the potential exacerbation of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Smoking may cause its own set of challenging symptoms, such as:

    \n
  • Dizziness
    • \n
  • Vomiting
    • \n
  • Nausea
    • \n

To understand smoking as an addiction, it's important to define three terms.

    \n
  1. Tolerance refers to how the body gets used to a given amount of a particular substance, like nicotine. Over time, most people will need to consume increasing amounts of a given substance to achieve the same \"high\" or surge of positive feelings.
    2. \n
  2. Dependency is the need to use a substance to function normally. Someone may not psychologically want to use the medicine, but if they're dependent on it, they may not be able to stop using it without experiencing withdrawal.
    3. \n
  3. Addiction refers to the psychological or neurological inability to stop using a substance, such as nicotine/tobacco products.
    4. \n

As the body creates more nicotine receptors, those who smoke develop a tolerance to nicotine-laden products. The body becomes physiologically dependent on the chemical nicotine as a result. A psychological addiction to the process of smoking itself and sometimes related to an oral fixation may also occur.

Those who are dependent on or addicted to smoking may experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop smoking. Symptoms of withdrawal include: [1]

    \n
  • A depressed mood
    • \n
  • Persistent cravings
    • \n
  • Anxiety
    • \n
  • Weight gain
    • \n
  • Irritability
    • \n
  • Trouble concentrating
    • \n

Due to withdrawal and the persistent cravings people may deal with, it is possible to have both a psychological addiction to smoking products as well as physical dependency.

How to Quit Smoking

Using Medications to Quit Smoking

Using medications to quit smoking makes quitting easier and helps minimize the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) that include nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges provide cessation support. NRTs deliver nicotine without exposing the body to further harmful chemicals like those found in cigarettes[2].

When using NRTs, the treatment reduces in strength over time. This helps the brain get used to having less access to nicotine, so withdrawal symptoms are less likely. The person using the treatment doesn't need as much nicotine throughout the day as a result.

Two other medications provide support during smoking cessation as well. These are:

    \n
  • Bupropion helps by blocking chemicals in the brain that make smoking feel pleasurable. It lessens cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine.
    • \n
  • Varenicline reduces the release of dopamine in the brain when a person smokes, minimizing the positive feelings associated with smoking. It does this by mimicking the effects of nicotine. Using this medication lessens the urge to obtain and smoke nicotine-containing products. Varenicline may also help reduce withdrawal symptoms[2].
    • \n

Options for Quitting Smoking Without Medications

Gradual Withdrawal

Some people reduce cigarette use before a planned quit date. As an example for someone who usually smokes ten cigarettes a day, the first week of cessation may focus on reducing down to nine cigarettes. Gradual smoking withdrawal usually takes longer than other methods of quitting tobacco and tobacco-related disorders, but it has the potential to lead to successful cessation[3].

Going \"Cold Turkey\"

The second option is to go \"cold turkey.\" Going cold turkey means stopping cigarettes all at once. There's no step-down process or medication put in place of the nicotine[3].
Quitting without support can be difficult. Counseling and quit-smoking medicines can improve the chances of success.

Why Is Smoking Addictive?

Smoking leads to addiction because nicotine, in small amounts, encourages the release of dopamine within the brain[4]. Dopamine, known as the body's feel-good chemical, produces positive feelings, allowing people to feel motivation, satisfaction, pleasure, and peacefulness.
Nicotine enters the bloodstream quickly once inhaled, spreading throughout the body and reaching the brain[5]. 

There, the brain and central nervous system react to the nicotine chemical and release dopamine. Nicotine also stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.

The person smoking the cigarette begins to feel positive, pleasant feelings in response. That feel-good moment is a hook that results in people wanting to use nicotine-containing products. However, the initial positive impacts quickly wear off, lasting only a few minutes.

With repeat usage over time, both physical and psychological cravings will develop. Cravings lead to more frequent use of cigarettes, causing dependency and subsequent addiction.

It becomes difficult to stop smoking because of the physical dependency and psychological addiction to nicotine. At the same time as these, the body may develop a tolerance. That means it takes more nicotine to reach the same feel-good effects. The new tolerance leads to heavier usage and withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back.

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Peggy Ferguson Ph.D.

Addiction counseling and recovery

View experience

How to Help Someone You Know Quit Smoking

When someone decides to stop smoking, they need support, understanding, and patience. Their support system should follow these simple tips[6].

    \n
  1. Respect that they want to quit.
    2. \n
  2. Ask them what support they need/prefer.
    3. \n
  3. Take steps to make smoke-free environments available.
    4. \n
  4. Thank them for prioritizing their health and the health of those around them.
    5. \n
  5. Offer praise for trying to quit, even if a relapse occurs. Encourage them to try cessation again.
    6. \n
  6. Avoid judging, preaching to, or nagging a person trying to quit.
    7. \n
  7. Avoid offering cigarettes as a way to soothe withdrawal.
    8. \n
  8. Celebrate milestones, such as a week without cigarettes or two weeks of reduced usage.
    9. \n
  9. Wash clothing that smells of cigarettes to eliminate a possible scent trigger.
    10. \n
  10. Ask the person to do new or different things (that are still positive or healthy), such as watching a movie, to distract themselves from the cravings.
    11. \n
  11. Give the person a chance to talk about how quitting feels and what challenges the process brings.
    12. \n

With medications and cessation aids, as well as a strong support system, those who want to quit smoking have a better chance of successful cessation.

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Nicotine and tobacco. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  2. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Smoking cessation medications. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Vorvick, L. J. (2024, July 23). Tips on how to quit smoking. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Nicotine. cancer.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.
  5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Tobacco, Nicotine, and E-Cigarettes. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Accessed October 10 2026.
  6. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). How to Support Your Quitter. Smokefree.gov. smokefree.gov. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Catrina Cowart

Writer

Catrina Cowart is a writer, focused on behavioral health, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Erin L. George

MFT

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

\"\"

Related community

Substance Use Disorders

Connect around experiences with substance use, its effects, and paths through recovery.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Substance Use Disorders Nicotine Addiction and Quitting Nicotine Addiction and Quitting Written by Catrina CowartMedically reviewed by Erin L. George Published on May 31, 2024 · Updated on August 28, 2025 Smoking is an action involving the inhalation and exhalation of burning plant material. When referring to \"smoking\" and \"quitting smoking,\" most people are talking about tobacco products[1]. Tobacco is a nicotine-containing plant that is typically dried and rolled or stuffed into cigars, pipes, and cigarettes. Tobacco products also contain additives that help maintain and preserve their shelf life. As a result, tobacco products can release over 4,000 chemical compounds when burned. Key takeaways Smoking exposes both smokers and nearby people to harmful substances and increases serious health risks. Nicotine dependence and withdrawal can make quitting difficult through cravings and changes in mood or concentration. Cessation medication, behavioral strategies, and supportive relationships can improve the chances of stopping successfully. What are the Risks of Smoking? Smoking is highly toxic. It has a negative impact not only on the person smoking but also on those around them. This unintended exposure to so-called secondhand smoke subjects non-smokers to the byproducts of cigars, cigarettes, etc. Smoking risks include the potential exacerbation of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Smoking may cause its own set of challenging symptoms, such as: Dizziness Vomiting Nausea To understand smoking as an addiction, it's important to define three terms. Tolerance refers to how the body gets used to a given amount of a particular substance, like nicotine. Over time, most people will need to consume increasing amounts of a given substance to achieve the same \"high\" or surge of positive feelings. Dependency is the need to use a substance to function normally. Someone may not psychologically want to use the medicine, but if they're dependent on it, they may not be able to stop using it without experiencing withdrawal. Addiction refers to the psychological or neurological inability to stop using a substance, such as nicotine/tobacco products. As the body creates more nicotine receptors, those who smoke develop a tolerance to nicotine-laden products. The body becomes physiologically dependent on the chemical nicotine as a result. A psychological addiction to the process of smoking itself and sometimes related to an oral fixation may also occur. Those who are dependent on or addicted to smoking may experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop smoking. Symptoms of withdrawal include: [1] A depressed mood Persistent cravings Anxiety Weight gain Irritability Trouble concentrating Due to withdrawal and the persistent cravings people may deal with, it is possible to have both a psychological addiction to smoking products as well as physical dependency. How to Quit Smoking Using Medications to Quit Smoking Using medications to quit smoking makes quitting easier and helps minimize the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) that include nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges provide cessation support. NRTs deliver nicotine without exposing the body to further harmful chemicals like those found in cigarettes[2]. When using NRTs, the treatment reduces in strength over time. This helps the brain get used to having less access to nicotine, so withdrawal symptoms are less likely. The person using the treatment doesn't need as much nicotine throughout the day as a result. Two other medications provide support during smoking cessation as well. These are: Bupropion helps by blocking chemicals in the brain that make smoking feel pleasurable. It lessens cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine. Varenicline reduces the release of dopamine in the brain when a person smokes, minimizing the positive feelings associated with smoking. It does this by mimicking the effects of nicotine. Using this medication lessens the urge to obtain and smoke nicotine-containing products. Varenicline may also help reduce withdrawal symptoms[2]. Options for Quitting Smoking Without Medications Gradual Withdrawal Some people reduce cigarette use before a planned quit date. As an example for someone who usually smokes ten cigarettes a day, the first week of cessation may focus on reducing down to nine cigarettes. Gradual smoking withdrawal usually takes longer than other methods of quitting tobacco and tobacco-related disorders, but it has the potential to lead to successful cessation[3]. Going \"Cold Turkey\" The second option is to go \"cold turkey.\" Going cold turkey means stopping cigarettes all at once. There's no step-down process or medication put in place of the nicotine[3]. Quitting without support can be difficult. Counseling and quit-smoking medicines can improve the chances of success. Why Is Smoking Addictive? Smoking leads to addiction because nicotine, in small amounts, encourages the release of dopamine within the brain[4]. Dopamine, known as the body's feel-good chemical, produces positive feelings, allowing people to feel motivation, satisfaction, pleasure, and peacefulness. Nicotine enters the bloodstream quickly once inhaled, spreading throughout the body and reaching the brain[5]. There, the brain and central nervous system react to the nicotine chemical and release dopamine. Nicotine also stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. The person smoking the cigarette begins to feel positive, pleasant feelings in response. That feel-good moment is a hook that results in people wanting to use nicotine-containing products. However, the initial positive impacts quickly wear off, lasting only a few minutes. With repeat usage over time, both physical and psychological cravings will develop. Cravings lead to more frequent use of cigarettes, causing dependency and subsequent addiction. It becomes difficult to stop smoking because of the physical dependency and psychological addiction to nicotine. At the same time as these, the body may develop a tolerance. That means it takes more nicotine to reach the same feel-good effects. The new tolerance leads to heavier usage and withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back. Subject matter expert Peggy Ferguson Ph.D. Addiction counseling and recovery View experience How to Help Someone You Know Quit Smoking When someone decides to stop smoking, they need support, understanding, and patience. Their support system should follow these simple tips[6]. Respect that they want to quit. Ask them what support they need/prefer. Take steps to make smoke-free environments available. Thank them for prioritizing their health and the health of those around them. Offer praise for trying to quit, even if a relapse occurs. Encourage them to try cessation again. Avoid judging, preaching to, or nagging a person trying to quit. Avoid offering cigarettes as a way to soothe withdrawal. Celebrate milestones, such as a week without cigarettes or two weeks of reduced usage. Wash clothing that smells of cigarettes to eliminate a possible scent trigger. Ask the person to do new or different things (that are still positive or healthy), such as watching a movie, to distract themselves from the cravings. Give the person a chance to talk about how quitting feels and what challenges the process brings. With medications and cessation aids, as well as a strong support system, those who want to quit smoking have a better chance of successful cessation. References National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Nicotine and tobacco. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Smoking cessation medications. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. Vorvick, L. J. (2024, July 23). Tips on how to quit smoking. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Nicotine. cancer.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Tobacco, Nicotine, and E-Cigarettes. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Accessed October 10 2026. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). How to Support Your Quitter. Smokefree.gov. smokefree.gov. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Catrina Cowart Writer Catrina Cowart is a writer, focused on behavioral health, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Published May 31, 2024 Updated August 28, 2025 Medical Reviewer Erin L. George MFT Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master's degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health. Related community Substance Use Disorders Connect around experiences with substance use, its effects, and paths through recovery. Explore community Table of contentsChoose a section What are the Risks of Smoking? How to Quit Smoking Why Is Smoking Addictive? How to Help Someone You Know Quit Smoking View more","wordCount":1457},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Substance Use Disorders","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Nicotine Addiction and Quitting","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/smoking-articles-nicotine-addiction-quitting#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/861ac5e321ec7d4da5263094.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/861ac5e321ec7d4da5263094.webp","width":1200,"height":600,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"Hands break a cigarette in half."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/catrina-cowart#person","name":"Catrina Cowart","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/catrina-cowart","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/50bc1a5e9f82395a48d22d0d.webp","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrinacowart/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/erin-george#person","name":"Erin L. 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